Surgical drape

ABSTRACT

A surgical drape adapted to overlay a patient including an opaque sheet having superior region extending to a cephalad end with a fenestration configured to surround a surgical region of the patient, and an inferior region extending from the inferior aspect of the fenestration to a caudal end and having a transparent sheet joined to the patient facing side of the opaque sheet proximate the inferior aspect of the fenestration between opposite opaque sheet first and second edges allowing the inferior portion of the opaque sheet drawn away from the transparent sheet to allow a surgeon visual access to the patient through the transparent sheet.

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/004,336, filed Apr. 2, 2020,hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A surgical drape adapted to overlay a patient including an opaque sheethaving superior region extending to a cephalad end with a fenestrationconfigured to surround a surgical region of the patient, and an inferiorregion extending from the inferior aspect of the fenestration to acaudal end and having a transparent sheet joined to the patient facingside of the opaque sheet proximate the inferior aspect of thefenestration between opposite opaque sheet first and second edgesallowing the inferior portion of the opaque sheet to be drawn away fromthe transparent sheet to allow a surgeon visual access to the patientthrough the transparent sheet.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There would be a substantial advantage in an inventive surgical drapeincluding a transparent sheet joined to the patient facing side of anopaque sheet proximate the inferior aspect of the fenestration to allowthe inferior portion of the opaque sheet to be drawn away from thetransparent sheet overlaying the patient to allow a surgeon visualaccess to the patient during a surgical procedure. In particular, duringa cesarean section during which the risk of obstetrical hemorrhage canbe high, the opaque sheet can be drawn away from the transparent sheetto allow visual access to the vaginal region of a patient during thecesarean section to identify and to take remedial measures in view ofobstetrical hemorrhage during the cesarean section.

Accordingly, broad object of the invention can be to provide a surgicaldrape including at least one or more of an opaque sheet having a surgeonfacing side and a patient facing side extending to opposite opaque sheetside ends and opposite opaque sheet caudal and cephalad ends, the opaquesheet including a superior region having a fenestration portion to allowa surgeon access to a surgical region of a patient, and can include ascreen portion to occlude patient's visual access to a surgical regionwhen the opaque sheet overlays the patient, and an inferior regionhaving a transparent sheet joined by a peripheral margin to the patientfacing side of the opaque sheet proximate the fenestration allowing whenoverlaying a patient to move the inferior portion of the opaque sheet inrelation to the transparent sheet to allow a surgeon visual access to apatient through the transparent sheet.

Another broad object of the invention can be a method of making asurgical drape at least including obtaining an opaque sheet having asurgeon facing side and a patient facing side extending to oppositeopaque sheet side ends and opposite opaque sheet caudal and cephaladends, the opaque sheet including a superior region having a fenestrationportion adapted to surround a surgical region of a patient when theopaque sheet overlays the patient, and an inferior region extending fromthe inferior aspect of the fenestration to the caudal end, and joining aperipheral margin of a transparent sheet to the patient facing side ofthe opaque sheet proximate the inferior aspect of the fenestration andextending between or beyond opposite opaque sheet side ends andextending to or beyond the caudal end of the opaque sheet, the inferiorregion of the opaque sheet movable in relation to the transparent sheetwhen the surgical drape overlays the patient.

Another broad object of the invention can be a method of using asurgical drape at least including overlaying a patient with a surgicaldrape having a transparent sheet joined to the patient facing side of anopaque sheet proximate the inferior aspect of a fenestration andpositioning the fenestration to surround the surgical region of thepatient. The method further including moving the opaque sheet inrelation to the transparent sheet overlaying the patient to allow asurgeon visual access to a patient through the transparent sheet.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of an embodiment of the inventive surgicaldrape and a method of overlaying a patient with the surgical drape.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of the embodiment of the inventive drapedepicted in FIG. 1A and a method of moving an inferior portion of anopaque sheet of surgical drape away from the underlying transparentsheet to visualize the patient.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the embodiment of the inventive drapedepicted in FIG. 1A and an alternate method of moving an inferiorportion of an opaque sheet of surgical drape away from the underlyingtransparent sheet to visualize the patient.

FIG. 3 is a surgeon facing plan view of an embodiment of the inventivesurgical drape.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive surgicaldrape having the inferior region of the opaque sheet of the surgicaldrape spaced apart from the transparent sheet of the surgical drape.

FIG. 5A is cross section 5A-5A of the embodiment of the surgical drapedepicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the embodiment of the surgical drapedepicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is an enlargement of a portion of the surgical drape depicted inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is an enlargement of a portion of the surgical drape depicted inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is an enlargement of a portion of the surgical drape depicted inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a block flow diagram of a method of using embodiments of theinventive surgical drape.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, with general reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B through 4 and 5A through5E, embodiments of a surgical drape (1) can include an opaque sheet (2)having a surgeon facing side (3) opposite a patient facing side (4)extending to an opaque sheet first side edge (5) opposite an opaquesheet second side edge (6) and an opaque sheet caudal edge (7) and anopaque sheet cephalad edge (8). Any suitable surgical drape material (9)or combination of surgical drape materials can be used in the structureof the surgical drape (1) including as illustrative examples: plastic,polyethylene, polypropylene, spunbond polypropylene, meltblownpolypropylene, spunlace polypropylene, and combinations thereof, such aslaminates including two, three, four, five or more layers of theforegoing materials in various combinations.

A superior region (10) of the opaque sheet (2) when overlaying thepatient (11) extends from about a patient's waist (12) toward apatient's head (13). The superior region (10) of the opaque sheet (2)can, but need not necessarily, include one or more of a fenestrationportion (15) including a fenestration (16) to allow a surgeon to accessa surgical region (17) of a patient (11) when the opaque sheet (2)overlays the patient (11), and in particular embodiments a screenportion (18) which can be positioned to occlude patient's (11) visualaccess to the surgical region (17). An inferior region (19) of theopaque sheet (2) when overlaying the patient (11) extends from proximatethe inferior aspect of the fenestration (16) toward the patient's feet(14). In particular embodiments, the opaque sheet caudal edge (7) bedisposed proximate, at, or beyond the patient's feet (14).

In particular embodiments, a transparent sheet (20) can overlay thepatient facing side (4) of the opaque sheet (2). The transparent sheet(20) having surgeon facing side (78) and a patient facing side (79)extending between a transparent sheet first side edge (21) opposite atransparent sheet second side edge (22) and transparent sheet first endedge (23) and a transparent sheet second end edge (24) can have atransparent sheet edge margin (25) joined to the patient facing side (4)of the opaque sheet (2) proximate the fenestration (16) between opaquesheet first and second side edges (5)(6) to allow the inferior region(19) of the patient facing side (4) of the opaque sheet (2) to be incoextensive separable contact with the transparent sheet (20). Inparticular embodiments, the transparent sheet may extend beyond one ormore of the opaque sheet first and second side edges (5)(6) or theopaque sheet caudal edge (7). The inferior region (19) of the opaquesheet (2) can be moved in relationship to the transparent sheet (20) (asshown in the illustrative examples of FIG. 1A or 1B and 2, whetherdrawn, rolled, or folded away from the transparent sheet (20)) to allowa surgeon (not depicted) visual access to the patient (11) through thetransparent sheet (20). Any suitable transparent or substantiallytransparent material (26) or combination of materials can be used in thestructure of the transparent sheet (20), including as illustrativeexamples, plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride,nylon, and combinations thereof such as laminates including two, three,four, five or more layers of the foregoing materials in variouscombinations; provided that the material remains sufficientlytransparent through which to view the patient (11).

In particular embodiments, the transparent sheet edge margin (25) can,but need not necessarily be inseparable joined to the patient facingside (4) of the opaque sheet (2). As illustrative examples, thetransparent sheet edge margin (25) can be inseparable joined by one ormore adhesion element(s) (27) such as: heat weld, thermal strip weld,hot air weld, double sided adhesive tape, adhesive layer, pressuresensitive adhesive, spray adhesive, urethane adhesive, siliconeadhesive, epoxy adhesive, or combinations thereof.

In particular embodiments, the transparent sheet edge margin (25) can,but need not necessarily be separably joined to the patient facing side(4) of the opaque sheet (2). As illustrative examples, the transparentsheet edge margin (25) can be separable joined by a transparent sheetexcision element (28), as illustrative examples, one or more of:perforated or non-perforated tear lines disposed along the transparentsheet edge margin which allows the transparent sheet to be separated inwhole or in part from the opaque sheet (2).

In particular embodiments, the inferior region (19) of the opaque sheet(2) can, but need not necessarily be, separably joined to the surgeonfacing side (78) of the transparent sheet (20) proximate the caudalaspect of the fenestration (16). As illustrative examples, the inferiorregion (19) of the opaque sheet (2) can be separable joined to thetransparent sheet (20) by an opaque sheet adhesion element (71) disposedon patient facing side (4) of the opaque sheet (2) between opaque sheetfirst and second side edges (5)(6) proximate caudal aspect of thefenestration (16). As an illustrative example, the opaque sheet adhesionelement (71) can comprise a removable and repositionable adhesive layer(72) disposed on the opaque sheet (2) or the transparent sheet (20)allowing the inferior region (19) of the opaque sheet (2) to be removedfrom the surgical drape (1) and later repositioned over the transparentsheet (20).

In particular embodiments, the inferior region (19) of the opaque sheet(2) can, but need not necessarily, include an opening (73) communicatingbetween the surgeon facing side (3) and the patient facing side (4) anddisposed medially and proximate the caudal aspect of the fenestration(16) to allow visual access to the vaginal region (70) of the patient(11). In particular embodiments, the surgical drape can, but need notnecessarily, include a movable panel (74) overlaying the opening (73) toocclude visual access to the vaginal region (70). As shown in theillustrative example of FIG. 1A, the movable panel (74) can be entirelyseparate from the opaque sheet (2) or can have a panel edge (75) joinedto the opaque sheet (2) to allow hinged movement of the movable panel(74) between a closed condition and an open condition to allow visualaccess to the vaginal region (70).

In particular embodiments, the transparent sheet (20) can be retrofit toa conventional opaque sheet (2) by providing transparent sheet edgemargin adhesive layer (29) on the transparent sheet edge margin (25)with an overlaying transparent sheet edge margin peelable layer (30).The transparent sheet edge margin peelable layer (30) can be peeled fromthe transparent sheet edge margin adhesive layer (29) and thetransparent sheet edge margin (25) adhesively joined to the patientfacing side (4) of the opaque sheet (2) proximate the fenestration (16)between opaque sheet first and second side edges (5)(6).

In particular embodiments, one or more grippable elements (31) can becoupled to the surgeon facing side (3) of said opaque sheet (2) to allowready grasp of the inferior region (19) of the opaque sheet (2). The oneor more grippable elements (31) can, but need not necessarily, bedisposed medially between opposite opaque sheet first and second sideedges (5)(6) proximate the opaque sheet caudal edge (7). The grippableelements (31) can, but need not necessarily, be in the form of one ormore of: loops, strings, cords, wires, flaps, or tabs, or otherextending element, having a grip first end (32) coupled to the opaquesheet (2) and extending outward to an unattached grip second end (33).

In particular embodiments, the fenestration (16) can have a fenestrationperipheral margin (34) having an overlaying fenestration peripheralmargin adhesive layer (35) on the patient facing side (4) of said opaquesheet (2). A fenestration peripheral margin peelable layer (36) can bedisposed over the fenestration peripheral margin adhesive layer (35) ofopaque sheet (2). The fenestration peripheral margin peelable layer (36)can be peeled from the fenestration peripheral margin adhesive layer(35) and the fenestration peripheral margin adhesive layer (35) adheredto the patient (11) to locate the surgical region (17) within thefenestration (16) of the opaque sheet (2).

In particular embodiments, the opaque sheet (2) can, but need notnecessarily, include a transparent incision film (37) which can beseparate from the opaque sheet (2) and adhered to the patient (11) priorto overlaying the patient (11) with the opaque sheet (2), or joined tothe opaque sheet (2) overlaying the open area of the fenestration (16)in the opaque sheet (2). In particular embodiments, the transparentincision film (37) can be joined to the patient facing side (4) of theopaque sheet (2) by an incision sheet adhesion element (38) includingone or more of: heat weld, thermal strip weld, hot air weld, doublesided adhesive tape, adhesive layer, pressure sensitive adhesive, sprayadhesive, urethane adhesive, silicone adhesive, epoxy adhesive, orcombinations thereof. The transparent incision film (37) can be disposedover the surgical region (17) when the opaque sheet (2) overlays thepatient (11). In particular embodiments, the transparent incision film(37) can, but need not necessarily, further include an incision filmadhesive layer (39) covering the patient facing side (4) of thetransparent incision film (37) or applied to the transparent incisionfilm margin (40). In particular embodiments, the incision film adhesivelayer (39) can comprise the external surface of the transparent incisionfilm (37) which may be self-adhering to the patient (11). When thesurgical drape (1) overlays the patient, the incision film adhesivelayer (39) can be covered by a peelable backing (41). When the procedureis performed, the peelable backing (41) can be peeled from the incisionfilm adhesive layer (39). The incision film adhesive layer (39) can beadhered to the patient (11) around or over the surgical region (17).When the surgical procedure is performed, incisions may be made directlythrough the transparent incision film (37). The transparent incisionfilm (37) can comprise any suitable substantially transparent ortransparent material, and as an illustrative example the transparentincision film can comprise one or more of: a polyethylene film,polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, or combinations thereof.

In particular embodiments, a fluid collecting pouch (42) can, but neednot necessarily, be affixed to or around the transparent incision panel(37) or the surgeon facing side (3) of said opaque sheet (2) to collectbodily fluids (50) during the surgical procedure. The fluid collectingpouch (42) includes a pouch inner wall (43) opposite a pouch outer wall(44) joined at pouch outer perimeter (45) and extending to a collectingpouch inner perimeter (46) disposed around the surgical region (17). Inparticular embodiments, the inner perimeter margin (46) of the pouchinner wall (43) can be inseparably joined or separable joined to thesurgeon facing side (3) of the opaque sheet (2) or the transparentincision panel (37) by a pouch adhesion element (47) by one or more of:heat weld, thermal strip weld, hot air weld, double sided adhesive tape,adhesive layer, pressure sensitive adhesive, spray adhesive, urethaneadhesive, silicone adhesive, epoxy adhesive. The fluid collecting pouch(42) can be structured from any suitable material compatible with thebodily fluids of the patient (11) and can be a substantially transparentor transparent material such as: plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene,polyvinylchloride, nylon, and combinations thereof. In particularembodiments, a malleable material (48) can be disposed along all or apart of the pouch inner wall (43) or outer wall (44) inner perimetermargin (49). The malleable material (48) can be configured to positionand conform the collection pouch inner perimeter (46) around thesurgical region (17) or manipulation of the fluid collecting pouch (42)into the pouch open condition (51) to collect bodily fluids (50). Inparticular embodiments, one or more pouch gripping elements (52) can becoupled to the fluid collecting pouch (42) to allow ready grasp of thefluid collecting pouch (42) for positioning about the fenestration (16)or surgical region (17). The one or more pouch gripping elements (52)can, but need not necessarily, be disposed proximate the cephaladportion of the collecting pouch outer perimeter (45). The pouch grippingelements (52) can, but need not necessarily, be in the form of one ormore of loops, strings, cords, wires, flaps, or tabs having a pouchgripping element first end (53) coupled to the pouch outer wall (44) andextending outward to a pouch gripping element unattached end (54). Thefluid collecting pouch (42) can, but need not necessarily, include afluid port (55) through which bodily fluid (50) can be conducted awayfrom the fluid collecting pouch (42). The fluid port (55) can, but neednot necessarily, include a port valve (56) or a port closure (57)operable to close the fluid port (55) to the egress of bodily fluid(50). In particular embodiments, the fluid port (55) can be configuredto mate directly or indirectly with an aspirator (58) operable togenerate a vacuum to draw bodily fluids (50) from the fluid collectingpouch (42) to a fluid collection container (59).

In particular embodiments, an absorbent pad (60) can be separably orinseparably coupled to the surgeon facing side (3) of the opaque sheet(2) medially between opaque sheet first and second side edges (5)(6) andcaudal to the inferior aspect of the fluid collecting pouch outerperimeter (45). The absorbent pad (60) can comprise any suitablematerial for absorption of bodily fluids (50) from the surgical region(17). The absorbent pad material (61) can comprise as illustrativeexamples, one or more of: cellulose, cotton, linen, dry-laidcellulose-vinyl acetate, blown polyethylene or polypropylenemicrofibers, paper, spunbond polypropylene, meltblown polypropylene,spunlace polypropylene, or combinations thereof. The absorbent pad (60)may also include an impervious liner between the absorbent pad (60) andthe surgeon facing side (3) of the opaque sheet (2)

In particular embodiments, anchors (76) can be attached to the surgeonfacing side (3) of the opaque sheet (2). The anchors (76) can be havevarious configurations and locations to correspondingly hold variousanchorable objects or materials such as instruments, tools, tubing,wires, devices or the like. While the embodiment of the anchors (76)shown in the Figures include outwardly extending tabs having one or moreanchor apertures (77) to retain anchorable objects or materials; this isnot intended to preclude embodiments which hold the anchorable objectsor materials by other structural forms such as hook and loop, magnets,hooks, rings, loops, snaps, or the like.

The surgical drape (1) in whole or in part can be provided in a sterilecondition (62). In particular embodiments, the transparent sheet (20)joined to the opaque sheet (2) can be provided in a sterile condition(62). As an illustrative example, the surgeon facing side (78) of thetransparent sheet (20) can include a transparent sheet sterile centerportion (63) which only correspondingly contacts an opaque sheet sterilecenter portion (64) on the patient facing side (4) of the opaque sheet(2). Therefore, the inferior region (19) of the opaque sheet (2) can bemoved to expose the transparent sheet (20) with no or a reduced risk ofcontamination. The surgical drape (1) in the sterile condition (62) canbe disposed in a folded condition (65) to dispose as an outside layer(66) of the folded condition (65) the fenestration (16) on the patientfacing side (4) of the opaque sheet (2). The fenestration peripheralmargin peelable layer (36) over the fenestration peripheral marginadhesive layer (35) disposed around the fenestration (16) can be peeledaway to expose the fenestration peripheral margin adhesive layer (35)which can be adhered to the patient (11) with the fenestration (16)surrounding the surgical region (17). The surgical drape (1) can then beunfolded to overlay the patient (11).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 6, a method of usingembodiments of the inventive surgical drape (1) can include one or moreof: placing a patient (11) on an operating table (67) in supine position(block S1). Removing the surgical drape (1) from a packaging material(68) and handing the surgical drape (1) to the surgical team in typicalsterile fashion while wrapped in a sterile covering (69) (block S2).Removing the sterile covering (69) (S3), and while the surgical drape(1) remains in a folded condition (65) or when overlaying the patient(11), removing a peelable layer (36) from the adhesive layer (35)disposed around the fenestration (16)(block S4). As to those embodimentsincluding a transparent incision film (37), the method can includeremoving the peelable backing (41) from the incision film adhesive layer(39) disposed on the transparent incision film (37) or the transparentincision film margin (40)(block S5). Aligning the fenestration (16)around the surgical region (17) of the patient (11)(block S6). Adheringthe adhesive layer (35)(39) disposed around the fenestration (16) or thetransparent incision film (37) to the patient (11)(block S7). The methodcan further include, unfolding the surgical drape (1) in both the caudaland cephalad directions from the surgical region (17) to overlay thepatient (11)(block S8). Supporting a screen portion (18) of the surgicaldrape (1) to occlude the patient's (11) visual access to the surgicalregion (17)(block S9). In particular embodiments, in which the surgicaldrape (1) includes an opaque sheet (2) and an underlaying transparentsheet (20) joined to the patient facing side (4) of the opaque sheet(2), unfolding can further include unfolding the surgical drape (1) inboth the caudal and cephalad directions from the surgical region (17) tooverlay the patient (11) with the transparent sheet (20) overlaying thepatient (11) from about the patient's waist (12) toward the patient'sfeet (14) (block S10).

After the surgical procedure has begun, which can, but need notnecessarily be, a cesarean section as illustrated in the Figures, thesurgeon, at any time before, during or after the surgical procedure,including during a cesarean section delivery of an infant, furtherperform one or more of: moving the inferior region (19) of the opaquesheet (2) away from the transparent sheet (20)(block S11). Visuallyobserving the patient (11) through the transparent sheet (20) from aboutthe patient's waist (12) to the patient's feet (14) which duringcesarean section can comprise visually observing the vaginal region (70)for evidence of obstetrical hemorrhage and commencing medicalintervention, if indicated (block S12). In particular embodiments, themethod can further include gripping grippable elements (31) disposedproximate the opaque sheet caudle end (7) and moving the opaque sheetcaudal edge (7) toward the inferior aspect of the fenestration (16) toallow visualization of the patient through the transparent sheet(20)(block S13). When visualization is no longer needed, the method canfurther include one or more of: moving the inferior region (19) of theopaque sheet (2) toward the transparent sheet second end edge (24) inpart or to the original position (S14). The method can further includerepeatedly moving the inferior region (19) of the opaque sheet (2)toward the inferior aspect of the fenestration (16) and correspondingrepeatedly visualizing the patient from the patient's waist (12) to thepatient's feet (14), and during cesarean section repeatedly visualizingthe vaginal region (70), due to the risk of obstetrical hemorrhage atany point during a cesarean section (block S15). The method generallyallows for repeatedly visualizing the patient (11) from the patient'swaist (12) to the patient's feet (14) while maintaining a sterile field.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a surgical drapeand methods for making and using such surgical drape including the bestmode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather illustrative of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “drape” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “draping”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “draping”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “drape” and even a “means fordraping.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained inMerriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, each definition herebyincorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the surgical drapes herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

I claim:
 1. A surgical drape, comprising: an opaque sheet having asurgeon facing side and a patient facing side extending to oppositeopaque sheet side ends and opposite opaque sheet caudal and cephaladends, said opaque sheet having a superior region having a fenestrationadapted to allow a surgeon access to a surgical region of a patient andan inferior region having a transparent sheet joined by a peripheralmargin to said patient facing side of said opaque sheet proximate saidfenestration, said inferior region of said opaque sheet movable inrelation to said transparent sheet to allow said surgeon visual accessto said patient through said transparent sheet; and a fluid collectingpouch engaged to said surgeon facing side of said opaque sheet, saidfluid collecting pouch having pouch inner and outer walls joined at acollecting pouch outer perimeter and extending to a collecting pouchinner perimeter adapted to be disposed about said surgical region tocollect bodily fluids of said patient.
 2. The surgical drape of claim 1,further comprising one or more anchors coupled to said surgeon facingside of said opaque sheet.
 3. The surgical drape of claim 1, whereinsaid superior region of said opaque sheet further includes a screenportion adapted to occlude patient's visual access to said surgicalregion when said opaque sheet overlays said patient.
 4. The surgicaldrape of claim 1, further comprising one or more grippable elementscoupled to said surgeon facing side of said opaque sheet, said one ormore grippable elements disposed medially between opposite opaque sheetside edges proximate said caudal end of said opaque sheet.
 5. Thesurgical drape of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer disposedabout said fenestration on said patient facing side of said opaquesheet, said adhesive layer adapted to adhere to said patient to locatesaid surgical region within said fenestration.
 6. The surgical drape ofclaim 1, further comprising a transparent incision panel joined to saidopaque sheet over said fenestration.
 7. The surgical drape of claim 6,further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on said patient facingside of said transparent incision panel said adhesive layer adapted toadheres to said patient to locate said transparent incision panel oversaid surgical region.
 8. The surgical drape of claim 7, furthercomprising a peelable layer releasably disposed over said adhesive layerof said transparent incision panel.
 9. The surgical drape of claim 1,further comprising an absorbent pad coupled medially to said surgeonfacing side of said opaque sheet between said opaque sheet first andsecond side edges and inferior to said fluid collecting pouch outerperimeter.
 10. The surgical drape of claim 1, further comprising amalleable material disposed at said collection pouch inner perimeter,said malleable material configurable to position said fluid collectingpouch in an open condition.
 11. The surgical drape of claim 1, furthercomprising a fluid port coupled to said fluid collecting pouch.
 12. Thesurgical drape of claim 1, further comprising an opening communicatingbetween said surgeon facing side and said patient facing side of saidopaque sheet, said opening disposed medially and proximate saidfenestration to allow visual access to said patient.
 13. The surgicaldrape of claim 12, further comprising a movable panel overlaying saidopening adapted to occlude visual access to said patient.
 14. A methodfor allowing visual access to a patient overlaid with a surgical drapeduring a surgical procedure, said method comprising: overlaying asurgical drape over a patient, said surgical drape including: an opaquesheet including a superior region having a fenestration and an inferiorregion having a transparent sheet joined by a peripheral margin to apatient facing side of said opaque sheet proximate said fenestration;and a fluid collecting pouch engaged to said surgeon facing side of saidopaque sheet, said fluid collecting pouch having pouch inner and outerwalls joined at a collecting pouch outer perimeter and extending to acollecting pouch inner perimeter adapted to be disposed about saidsurgical region to collect bodily fluids of said patient; orienting saidfenestration about a surgical region of said patient and overlaying saidpatient with said transparent sheet extending toward said patient'sfeet, said inferior region of said surgical drape overlaying saidtransparent sheet; moving said inferior region of said opaque sheetduring a surgical procedure toward said inferior aspect of saidfenestration; and visualizing said patient through said transparentsheet of said surgical drape.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein saidsurgical procedure comprises a cesarean section and wherein visualizingcomprises visualizing a vaginal region of said patient during saidcesarean section for obstetrical hemorrhage.
 16. A method for allowingvisual access to a patient overlaid with a surgical drape during asurgical procedure, said method comprising: overlaying a surgical drapeover a patient, said surgical drape including: an opaque sheet includinga superior region having a fenestration and an inferior region having atransparent sheet joined by a peripheral margin to a patient facing sideof said opaque sheet proximate said fenestration; and an openingcommunicating between said surgeon facing side and said patient facingside of said opaque sheet, said opening disposed medially and proximatesaid fenestration to allow visual access to said patient; orienting saidfenestration about a surgical region of said patient and overlaying saidpatient with said transparent sheet extending toward said patient'sfeet, said inferior region of said surgical drape overlaying saidtransparent sheet; and visualizing said patient through said transparentsheet of said surgical drape.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising overlaying said opening with a movable panel to occludevisual access to said patient.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising moving said movable panel to visualize a vaginal region ofsaid patient during said cesarean section for obstetrical hemorrhage.19. A surgical drape, comprising: an opaque sheet having a surgeonfacing side and a patient facing side extending to opposite opaque sheetside ends and opposite opaque sheet caudal and cephalad ends, saidopaque sheet having a superior region having a fenestration to allow asurgeon access to a surgical region of a patient and an inferior regionhaving a transparent sheet joined by a peripheral margin to said patientfacing side of said opaque sheet proximate said fenestration, saidinferior region of said opaque sheet movable in relation to saidtransparent sheet to allow said surgeon visual access to said patientthrough said transparent sheet; and an opening communicating betweensaid surgeon facing side and said patient facing side of said opaquesheet, said opening disposed medially and proximate said fenestration toallow visual access to said patient.
 20. The surgical drape of claim 19,further comprising a movable panel overlaying said opening to occludevisual access to said patient.
 21. The surgical drape of claim 19,further comprising a fluid collecting pouch engaged to said transparentincision panel or said surgeon facing side of said opaque sheet, saidfluid collecting pouch having pouch inner and outer walls joined at acollecting pouch outer perimeter and extending to a collecting pouchinner perimeter disposed proximate said surgical region to collectbodily fluids of said patient.
 22. A method of making a surgical drape,comprising: producing an opaque sheet having a surgeon facing side and apatient facing side extending to opposite opaque sheet side ends andopposite opaque sheet caudal and cephalad ends, said opaque sheet havinga superior region having a fenestration to allow a surgeon access to asurgical region of a patient and an inferior region; joining atransparent sheet by a peripheral margin to said patient facing side ofsaid opaque sheet proximate said fenestration, said inferior region ofsaid opaque sheet movable in relation to said transparent sheet to allowsaid surgeon visual access to said patient through said transparentsheet; and engaging a fluid collecting pouch to said surgeon facing sideof said opaque sheet, said fluid collecting pouch having pouch inner andouter walls joined at a collecting pouch outer perimeter and extendingto a collecting pouch inner perimeter adapted to be disposed about saidsurgical region to collect bodily fluids of said patient.
 23. The methodof claim 22, further comprising disposing an opening communicatingbetween said surgeon facing side and said patient facing side of saidopaque sheet, said opening disposed medially and proximate said caudalaspect of said fenestration to allow visual access to said patient. 24.The method of claim 23, further comprising overlaying said opening witha movable panel to occlude visual access to said patient.
 25. The methodof making a surgical drape, comprising: producing an opaque sheet havinga surgeon facing side and a patient facing side extending to oppositeopaque sheet side ends and opposite opaque sheet caudal and cephaladends, said opaque sheet having a superior region having a fenestrationto allow a surgeon access to a surgical region of a patient and aninferior region having a transparent sheet joined by a peripheral marginto said patient facing side of said opaque sheet proximate saidfenestration said inferior region of said opaque sheet movable inrelation to said transparent sheet to allow said surgeon visual accessto said patient through said transparent sheet; and disposing an openingcommunicating between said surgeon facing side and said patient facingside of said opaque sheet, said opening disposed medially and proximatesaid fenestration to allow visual access to said patient.
 26. The methodof claim 25, further comprising overlaying said opening with a movablepanel to occlude visual access to said patient.
 27. The method of claim25, further comprising engaging a fluid collecting pouch to said surgeonfacing side of said opaque sheet, said fluid collecting pouch havingpouch inner and outer walls joined at a collecting pouch outer perimeterand extending to a collecting pouch inner perimeter disposed about saidsurgical region to collect bodily fluids of said patient.